KABUL - U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan C. Crocker and Australian Ambassador to Afghanistan Paul Foley signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on the deployment of Australian Justice Advisers to the Justice Center in Parwan (JCIP), Afghanistan. The Australian Justice Advisers, provided through the Australian Civilian Corps, will assist Afghan justice officials at the JCIP. During the signing ceremony, Ambassador Crocker said that this agreement reinforces the close U.S.-Australian bilateral relationship, and added that the deployment of the Australian Justice Advisers demonstrated Australian and U.S. joint commitment to the people of Afghanistan and support for the rule of law.

The JCIP is one of the key justice centers in Afghanistan, providing a mechanism for the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) to fairly and legitimately prosecute national security threats, including detainees previously held under the Law of Armed Conflict at the Detention Facility in Parwan (DFIP). U.S. advisors have been mentoring the Afghan judicial actors at the JCIP since 2010.

During a visit to Australia in November 2011, U.S. President Obama and Australian Prime Minister Gillard reiterated our countries' joint commitment to promote transparency, accountability, and strong Afghan civil institutions including the justice system. Australia agreed to assist efforts to strengthen the Afghan justice system by deploying up to three Australian Justice Advisors to the JCIP.

With the fulfillment of this agreement through the Memorandum of Cooperation, the Australian deployment is expected to occur later this summer. (PR)